Home Buying Process in Oahu | Needs vs. Wants List

Middle School

Remember middle school social studies? We all learned the difference between wants and needs. Needs? Food, clothing, shelter, and water. Wants? Pretty much everything else.

Hi, I’m Fawn Bertram a realtor in Ewa Beach with Homes by Fawn and Hawaii Life Real Estate. Today, I’m going to help you make a Wants vs. Needs list, all of your very own, so your hunt for a new home will be laser-focused.

Soul-Searching

Don’t do this in a rush. You’ll need to camp out, do some major soul-searching, and maybe a little compromising especially if you’re buying a house with a spouse or loved one. Ready to go? Grab a pen and paper or your phone and favorite note-taking app. Don’t worry, I’m here to keep the two categories straight. Think of me as a referee.

Here’s a simple definition. Needs are the non-negotiable features, the features you simply must-have in your next home. Wants are the ones you’d like to have but you can add or change on your own.

Needs

Needs might be things like:

1. Enough square footage for you and your family
2. Sufficient bedrooms and bathrooms
3. First-floor master bedroom
4. Close proximity to work and school
5. Two-car garage
6. Grassy yard for children’s or pet’s play area

Wants

Wants will look more like:

1. Specific paint or exterior color
2. Pool, jacuzzi, or other exterior water feature
3. Fenced-in backyard
4. Specific carpet, hardwood floors, or tile
5. Kitchen amenities like countertops and appliances
6. Walk-in shower or double bathroom vanity in master

First Draft

Don’t feel like your first draft has to be your final draft. And above all else, remember you can’t change the lot, the location, or the price you paid. So spend a good amount of time thinking through those three before moving on.

If you’ve been working through the 90-Day to Homeowner Challenge, you made a huge investment in yourself and your future. If you have your pre-approval and Wants vs. Needs checklist in hand, give me a call, and let’s find you the home of your dreams!

Want to Know More?

If you’re up for the challenge, just click the link here to receive the guide: 90-Day Digital Guide

This guide will walk you through the home buying process and what you should do now to plan for the future. If you’re not ready, that’s fine as well. This 90-Day Homeowner Challenge starts when you’re ready. It can be now or a year from now. All you have to do is click on the link for the challenge, and you’ll be all set.

Let’s Do This!

Ready to start? I can’t wait, let’s do this! Do you have questions? Please email me at fawnbertram@hawaiilife.com or call/text at 808-439-1077. I am so excited for you to start on your 90 Day Homeowner Challenge. This is going to be great! Looking forward to helping you on your journey to homeownership. I’m Fawn Bertram with Homes by Fawn and Hawaii Life Real Estate. I’m here to provide you with a smarter approach to real estate. Make it a great home buying and selling day.